Eric Tessmer, who opposes “death with dignity,” is guilty of the very thing that he accuses supporters of doing — providing “inaccurate and incomplete information” (“‘Death with dignity’ not best option,” Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Jan. 11).

He claims that supporters portray “death with dignity” as being the only compassionate choice for terminally ill patients.

Far from it. Hospice and palliative care are growing in popularity because that’s what most people want at the end of their lives. However, some individuals want to control their destiny when faced with deteriorating bodily functions that often accompany end-of-life illnesses, and “death with dignity” allows them to do just that.

Tessmer also claims that a physician could encourage a person to die when faced with illness. He ignores the fact that Oregon’s “death with dignity” law, for example, provides a safeguard because two physicians – not just one — must approve the life-ending medications.

Tessmer’s commentary shows that opponents of “death with dignity” have been reduced to using alarmist misinformation to try to make their argument.

John Kawamoto

Kaimuki

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Agribusiness ignores perils of glyphosate

Bennette Misalucha’s commentary contains glaring inaccuracies (“USDA report confirms that plant pesticides are used safely,” Star-Advertiser, Island Voices, Jan. 12).

Misalucha said that “GMOs have not caused or contributed to a single illness or death.” However, the World Health Organization has recently identified glyphosate, the major ingredient of Roundup, as a “probable carcinogen.” Major GMO crops, as we all know, come to us having been drenched in Roundup, a systemic pesticide that cannot be removed by simply washing the exterior of corn or soy.

The journal Nature reports on an alarming peer-reviewed study proving that even the tiny amount of glyphosate permitted in our drinking water may cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a serious condition that affects as many as 90 million Americans. Glyphosate has been found in mothers’ breast milk, in wine, in baby formula and in breakfast cereal, not to mention our drinking water. It should have been banned decades ago.

Jan Becket

Manoa

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Don’t expect Trump to change his spots

Responding to Peter Yamashita’s letter urging Americans to give Donald Trump a chance to succeed (“Let’s give Trump chance to succeed,” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 11): “At what?”

It would be wonderful for Trump to prove the naysayers wrong by demonstrating integrity and tolerance. Instead, we see floundering to pursue untenable campaign promises, nominees whose stated positions are antithetical to the offices for which they are proposed, disdain for opposing viewpoints, and repeated complaints about poor treatment.

It is difficult to believe that the Trump chrysalis will suddenly blossom into a viable national leader upon inauguration. His history and present behavior indicate otherwise.

Andrea Wagner

Aina Haina

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Next president must be held accountable

As a progressive person of faith and a social justice advocate, I have many concerns about the approaching Trump presidency.

While they are primarily focused on the economy and the environment, I am also worried about relationships with other countries, immigration, the criminal justice system, education, maintaining a balanced Supreme Court and equality for all people (all faiths, races, ethnicities, gender identities).

Donald Trump and most of his appointees have values that are incompatible with these concerns.

In addition, too many families and businesses and public officials are making decisions that don’t reflect a moral center — a situation difficult to counter without presidential leadership that embraces inclusivity, acceptance, fairness and compassion.

While we must accept Trump as our president, every citizen must hold him accountable for every decision he makes and every policy he enacts.

We all have the responsibility of trying to attain Benjamin Franklin’s vision of a true republic.

John Heidel

Kailua

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Conflicts of interest can’t be brushed off

Donald Trump announced that he has resolved his conflicts of interest by turning over his business interests to his two sons (“Plan to retain business ties draws sharp criticism,” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 12).

He will not converse with them on any business issues? If one can believe this, then there is a Santa Claus delivering gifts to deserving kids and an Easter Bunny who lays eggs.

People who sympathize with Trump say it’s too much of a problem for him to sell all of his properties and place the assets in a blind trust. Trump knew this prior to running for president, so no excuses.

The emoluments clause of the U.S. Constitution says the president cannot receive gifts from foreign countries. If or when Trump receives payment from foreign dignitaries who stay at his hotels, he is in direct violation of the emoluments clause.

If at the time of his inauguration he does not place all assets in a blind trust, there should be no inauguration as he will be impeached shortly thereafter.

Roland Ho

Waikele

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Other types of maps would be useful, too

Regarding state Rep. Gene Ward’s map of homeless encampments (“Map of homeless people’s locations OK’d,” Star-Advertiser, Jan. 12):

>> I need a map to show me where public toilets are.

>> I need another map to show me where police officers lurk to dispense jaywalking tickets.

>> I could use a map to show me where I can sit down and relax without being cited for loitering.

>> I would like a map to show me where all the affordable houses are, and another map to show me where I can park without being towed away.

Art Vaios

Downtown Honolulu